An Apple a Day

By Kimberly Carrow

Published in the Fall 2005 Issue of the Family Post

Although the fall weather signals an end to the summer fruit season, the cool days and breezy nights herald the arrival of perfect, tree-ripe apples-and it just so happens that some of the best apples in the world are grown right here in Nevada County. I am referring to the Arkansas Black variety of apples grown at Bierwagen's Orchards in Chicago Park. They are available in mid-October, and if you have never tried them before, Arkansas Blacks are a very juicy, crisp fruit with a perfectly balanced, sweet-tart flavor; the apple flavor is similar to a Fuji, but more intense and fresher tasting.

Bierwagen's has a roadside produce stand and also a very festive pumpkin patch every fall where visitors can purchase these delicious apples, as well as pumpkins, gourds, fresh apple cider and a variety of fall produce and merchandise. The orchard setting is just gorgeous, and watching the kids pick out the perfect pumpkin is an autumn ritual for many families.

If you have an opportunity to visit the pumpkin patch, take along a picnic or just buy a few apples and enjoy the simple pleasures of the season. Arkansas Blacks are available from some local markets as well; they keep for weeks in a cool place and are great for baking as well as snacking.

Apples are such a common fruit that we often take them for granted. They are loaded with vitamins and antioxidants and offer a multitude of health benefits. Apple consumption has been proven to decrease the risk of cancer, heart disease and lower cholesterol. One apple also provides 20% of your daily fiber requirement.

A tray of sliced apples, crackers and cheese or peanut butter is an ideal snack and can also be packed for a school lunch; for a different twist, try spreading almond butter on apple slices. To keep the cut apples from browning, dip them in a solution of one part citrus juice and 3 parts water. For a quick dessert or after-school treat, sprinkle sliced apples with a little cinnamon sugar.

Although apple pie is the quintessential apple dessert, a baked apple is a quicker, healthier alternative. Invest in a good apple corer, and baked apples are so easy that they will become a family favorite. The following recipes works great with any good baking apple variety, but try it with the Arkansas Blacks and serve with a small scoop of really good vanilla ice cream!

Maple Syrup Baked Apples

4 large apples, rinsed, dried, cored

1/4 cup raisins

1/4 cup walnuts, chopped

4 teaspoons butter

1/2 cup maple syrup

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 cup apple juice (pure, unsweetened) or apple cider

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place apples in a glass pie pan or square baking dish. Mix raisins, walnuts and butter together and divide the mixture among the apples, filling each apple cavity. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Pour maple syrup over apples and pour cider

in the pan. Bake apples, basting occasionally, until tender when pierced with a sharp knife or toothpick (about 45-55 minutes). Do not overbake or apple skins will split and the apples will fall apart. Serve warm.